Your Spouse and Your Bike

[chasarms]

Originally Posted by b3dd

Not a water-proof case for the finances of buying a Harley, but should soften the finances a bit. My vehicle is a Ford F-150, and it gets apr. 18 mpg. At $4/gal it costs me about $60/week commuting to work. The Harley gets 42 mpg and only costs me about $20/week to commute. Living in Colorado i can commute on the bike about 3/4 of the year, or 39 weeks. A $40/week difference for 39 weeks saves me $1560 a year in gas, which means up to $130/month of motorcycle payment is already paid for out of money that would have gone towards gas. Obviously this is a more effective justification if you live somewhere you can commute year round, less effective if you can't use the bike for as many months, and completely pointless if you can't use the bike for commuting. Saddlebags and cold weather gear are highly recommended to compliment this strategy... As it was 28 degrees this morning when I headed into the office, and if I wear my cold weather stuff on the way home this afternoon I might drown in a pool of my own sweat. Hope this helps and good luck

I tried that math for my own peace of mind. In my case, it doesn't really work out. Once you consider the insurance, taxes and the cost of maintenance, it's close to a wash.

$300 insurance
$200 Personal property tax
$200 Lubricants and filters
$250 tire (installed)
$10 registration

Plus, at that mileage, you are going to be doing something to it every year. Brakes, electrical, motor. Something is going to need attention as the miles pile up. Of course, you are saving wear and tear on the cage, but at least in my experience, the cages are cheaper to maintain.

Fortunately, I have never found myself in the position of justifying the bike. You can either choose to be married to the person whom you married, or try to change them into someone else. My wife and I both have learned through observation of others and ourselves that the later is difficult if not impossible.

[LilJo]

My wife was so relieved when I started parkin' the Vmax and ridin' the Harley. Even more so when I sold the Vmax and kept the Harley. And I have taken such good care of that bike through the years that she is totally supportive of me gettin' a brand spankin' new Harley in the near future. Even excited about it.

Am I a blessed man, or what?

[lakeforktx]

Originally Posted by rossn2

Took my wife for a ride on the new Trike yesterday. She told me to keep the Electra Glide also so we can ride "depending on our mood!"
So, now I have two HD's in the garage..

She have a sister....

[redman24]

On my first date with my wife, we went back to the house then left on my S&S custom. Had one when we got married. I let her know when I wanted a new one. She said go make it happen. Gave me a big hug and a kiss and said "You deserve it" . She said the same thing when she bought me my HD boots a couple of months ago.

Of course we did just finish having a new house built this year and a new car for her. I am thinking that she is much smarter than me. But......she sure smells good, and I get to ride almost every day.

[Wrgiacona]

Originally Posted by ltrhdevo

Picked the wife up hitch hiking in 73 with a Harley, what do you think how she feels ?

I'm guessing there are days she hates the damn thing. I'm also guessing there are day you do as well.

[JamesNT]

LOL!

I'll say it again, you guys are hiliarious.

Muffler,

Yeah, we need to look at how taxes are done, that's for sure.

JamesNT

[billjazzy]

If you have the money, go for it! I bought a used Wide Glide, most beautiful thing in this world besides my wife! Oh, ya, she bought a Sporty, loves it! You always don't have to get sucked under on monthly notes, look for a good used bike.

[99FLHRCI]

I guess I got lucky. We talked about having a kid. I said let's go look at a bike I heard about. Here I am and not on some newborn forum.

[scol]

Originally Posted by 99FLHRCI

I guess I got lucky. We talked about having a kid. I said let's go look at a bike I heard about. Here I am and not on some newborn forum.

We'll see

[denio43]

I'm old, and retired. I'm always worrying about spending too much money and having to go on the old dog food train. My wife who's ten years younger than me and still works, is an enabler. Last time we were in the Harley dealers place I was curious about the price of a new RK, and when I found out, I was ready to get the hell out of there! She says "What the heck, if you want one, buy it, nobody lives forever". Might as well have what you want. I couldn't pull the trigger though, but I'm thinking of trading both of the rides I have now in on a new one come spring.